12 Former 'American Horror Story' Actors Who Need To Come Back

Thursday's announcement that American Horror Story has been renewed for Seasons 8 & 9 has gotten fans understandably excited. While actors often appear in multiple seasons of the show, there are some American Horror Story actors that should return for Seasons 8 or 9 because they've only appeared in one season so far? The series has featured such an amazing caliber of award-winning actors to date, and there's so much talent to utilize in future seasons. Sure, I love those regulars on the show, but I also love those beloved actors who only made a brief appearance in one episode or one season.

Way back in 2011, the first season of American Horror Story: Murder House, featured the inimitable Connie Britton alongside '90s heartthrob Dylan McDermott. The pair played a husband and wife who relocated to Los Angeles following some personal trauma. Unfortunately, the restored mansion they moved into turned out to be majorly haunted, and a lot of crazy stuff started happening. Even though Britton left the show after Season 1 and joined Nashville, the format of the series means that the door is always wide open for actors to return in new roles.

1. Connie Britton

Despite being incredibly busy as Rayna Jaymes on Nashville, Britton would be an incredible addition to Season 8 or 9 of American Horror Story. In 2015, Britton told Variety, "I would love to come back, but scheduling is tricky." It's definitely time to make this happen.

2. Kate Mara

Kate Mara's career has definitely blown up since she appeared on American Horror Story: Murder House in 2011. Her successful movie career probably makes her return to AHS unlikely, which is exactly why it'd be so exciting to see her come back to the show.

3. Eric Stonestreet

The actor, best known for portraying Cameron on Modern Family, played a man called Derrick in Season 1 of AHS. It'd be so fun to see the comedian return to the horror series, especially since his Modern Family character is so beloved.

4. Neil Patrick Harris

In Sep. 2015, of his turn in Season 4 of AHS, Harris told TVLine, “It was a great honor for myself and for David to be players in Freak Show, but yeah, I’m busy... I think the Hotel is booked, as they say." Despite not returning for Season 5 or 6, it'd be great to see the Gone Girl actor return for more AHS creepiness in Season 8 or 9.

6. Clea DuVall

7. Ian McShane

The prolific actor, who's appeared in everything from Game Of Thrones to Deadwood, had an arc in American Horror Story: Asylum as Murder Santa. It should be obvious that McShane, and his character, both need to come back to the show.

11. Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is no stranger to the Ryan Murphy family, having played the lead in American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson. His performance in American Horror Story: Roanoke made it clear that the actor belongs in AHS and should definitely come back.